Emmett V. Jordan is serving his fifth term as Mayor of Greenbelt, where he has lived and worked for more than two decades. Elected to the Greenbelt City Council in 2009, he made history as the first African American to serve on the body. For 16 years, he has been a steady voice for progress, collaboration, and community values.

A resident of Greenbelt since 2000, Emmett first moved to the city’s Greenbriar neighborhood while working at the University of Maryland. He quickly embraced Greenbelt’s unique character—its walkable spaces, recreational amenities, and civic spirit—and has built his service around preserving and strengthening the city’s quality of life.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Emmett studied liberal arts and music at Morehouse College before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Administration from the University of Cincinnati. He pursued graduate coursework in Public Administration at Seton Hall University and later completed leadership fellowships at the University of Maryland’s Legacy Leadership Institute on Municipal Government and the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance. A lifelong learner, he continues to attend conferences and workshops to stay engaged with the challenges and opportunities facing Greenbelt and cities across the country.

As Mayor, Emmett has built durable partnerships with leaders at the county, state, and federal levels. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities, the Maryland Municipal League, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and he is a past president of the Prince George’s County Municipal Association. These roles give Greenbelt a voice in critical regional and national discussions—on housing, transportation, sustainability, and economic growth.

Career and Professional Experience

Beyond public service, Emmett brings over 25 years of professional experience in project management, marketing, strategic planning, and nonprofit capacity building. Since 2005, he has worked as an independent consultant, supporting organizations in communications, fund development, and program design. His career has included employment with respected institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Maryland, the United Negro College Fund, Saint Michael's Medical Center, and Plainfield Neighborhood Health Center.  

Civic Engagement and Values

Volunteerism is central to Emmett’s life and family tradition. Raised in the progressive Unitarian faith by parents who were both educators and community leaders, he has always believed in lifting others through service. He has dedicated time to nonprofits and coalitions across Maryland and the D.C. region, including the Human Service Coalition of Prince George’s County, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, and the United Way of Prince George’s County. From 2000 to 2005, he co-chaired the Urban Roundtable, an auxiliary arm of the Greater Washington Urban League.  He currently serves on the Board of CCI Health Services, based in Silver Spring, MD. 

In Greenbelt, his record of civic engagement is extensive. Before his election to Council, he chaired an Advisory Planning Board effort that produced Greenbelt’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Over the years, he has served as liaison to the City’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Advisory Planning Board, Community Relations Advisory Board, and Greenbelt Access Television. He has also been deeply involved with local organizations, including leadership roles with the Greenbelt Community Foundation, Greenbriar Condominiums Association, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Democratic Club, and Greenbelt Tennis Association.

Personal Interests

Outside of public service, Emmett appreciates Greenbelt’s cultural life and enjoys the broader arts community of the Washington-Baltimore region. He is a lifelong music lover who enjoys playing guitar, attending live concerts, and visiting museums and art galleries. To stay active, he bicycles, plays tennis, and enjoys Greenbelt’s trails and open spaces.